If you took Ozempic or a similar medication and developed serious digestive or intestinal issues, you could recover compensation if you join the mass tort already underway. Dozens of consumers have already filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs for failure to adequately warn them about life-altering side effects. Many more could qualify to join the multidistrict litigation (MDL).
If you are interested in joining the mass tort against these drug manufacturers, you should contact an Ozempic lawsuit lawyer to discuss your options as soon as possible. Most provide free case assessments.
What Steps Should I Take if I Believe I Qualify to Join the Ozempic Lawsuit?
Joining an MDL like the Ozempic lawsuit typically involves taking several steps with the help of a mass tort or pharmaceutical litigation attorney. The only step you need to worry about is contacting a lawyer who can assess your case. After that, the law firm can take over and manage the process for you.
To this end, contact a qualified attorney who has experience with pharmaceutical litigation and understands the Ozempic lawsuit. The firm will evaluate your case and advise you on whether joining the Ozempic MDL is the best option for you. If you decide to proceed with your case, your attorney will:
Gather Documents
Collect any relevant medical records, prescriptions, receipts, and other documents related to your use of these defective or dangerous medications, your side effects, and related expenses and losses.
Evaluate Your Eligibility
Your attorney will assess whether you meet the criteria for joining the MDL. This might include documenting your specific side effects and injuries and your Ozempic use.
File Your Lawsuit
If you’re eligible to join the MDL, your attorney will file a lawsuit or short form complaint on your behalf. This typically involves submitting paperwork to the appropriate court that outlines your case.
Transfer the Case to the MDL Court
Once your lawyer files your lawsuit or claim, the courts will likely transfer it into the Ozempic MDL for pre-trial proceedings. These proceedings are already underway in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Participate in Proceedings
Some plaintiffs need to participate in various proceedings as the case progresses through the MDL. This could include providing recorded or in-court testimony, attending hearings, or engaging in settlement negotiations.
However, not every case must undergo these procedures. Your attorney will manage most of your case while you focus on treatment, symptom management, and healing.
Seek Resolution in the Case
Your attorney will actively seek resolution in your case. You could receive compensation for your health concerns and related damages through a settlement or judgment.
The MDL process is complex. Throughout this process, your attorney will continue to communicate with you about case progress, providing support and guidance. They will also advocate for your rights and best interests.
How Will a Short Form Complaint Affect Joining the Ozempic Lawsuit?
As of April 2024, there is no short form complaint available for the Ozempic lawsuit. Many law firms will wait to file a claim for their clients until the lawyers involved agree on the short form complaint process and make one available.
A short form complaint allows plaintiffs to join the MDL using a simplified form instead of filing a full, formal complaint. These forms ask for basic information relevant to the case.
The short form complaint for the Ozempic MDL could require information such as:
- Which drug you used
- The prescription date
- How long you used the medication
- Your diagnosed injury
- The company or companies you are filing a case against
Those who used Ozempic would file complaints against pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. However, users of other similar drugs might file cases against drug maker Eli Lilly instead.
Our team provides regular updates on this mass tort, including whether or not a short form complaint is available. You can count on us to keep you abreast of new developments.
What Is the Current Status of the Ozempic MDL?
The Ozempic lawsuit became official became an MDL on February 2, 2024, when the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated the separate lawsuits into MDL 3094 IN RE: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation.
MDL 3094 is now being heard before U.S. Circuit Court Judge Gene E.K. Pratter in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The basis of the case is that drug makers failed to warn consumers about some of the most serious side effects of semaglutide medications like Ozempic, including:
- Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
- Bowel obstruction
- Malnutrition-related disorders
- Other serious gastrointestinal concerns
- Possible sudden loss of vision from a condition called NAION
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reports there were 74 plaintiffs participating in the MDL as of April 1, 2024. These cases commonly start slow with only a few dozen participants but will likely grow quickly once it is fully underway, especially once a short form complaint becomes available.
As of the end of April 2024, pre-trial proceedings are underway. The defense has submitted early documents outlining their position, and plaintiffs will do the same. The question at hand will likely be whether the drug manufacturers provided adequate warning about serious side effects.
The case is still in its earliest stages, with the court having recently appointed the lead lawyers to represent the plaintiffs in this litigation.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Understanding the Steps in the Ozempic MDL Process
Understanding how the MDL process typically works provides insight into how your case might proceed if you join the mass tort against the pharmaceutical company that harmed you.
Once the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidates cases into an MDL, you can expect some or all the following steps to occur:
Pre-Trial Proceedings
Pre-trial proceedings include much of the administrative and organizational work on a case.
This will likely include:
- Selection of leadership counsel
- Coordination of discovery
- Preliminary motions, if necessary
Discovery
Discovery includes the investigation and case-building part of the MDL. During this time, each side will develop its approach to the case and support it with evidence.
This process includes:
- Parties exchanging relevant information and evidence
- Taking depositions of witnesses and experts
- Participating in document requests and interrogatories
Bellwether Trials
Bellwether trials are trials conducted under the oversight of the MDL judge.
These trials:
- Usually include a careful selection of representative cases
- Are conducted to gauge how juries react to evidence and the possible outcome of cases
- May influence summary judgments or settlement negotiations
Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations could occur during or after discovery or following one or more bellwether trials. Settlements can occur in many ways, including individually, by tiers based on severity of injury, or globally. Each plaintiff decides individually whether to accept a settlement offer.
Remand for Trials
When cases do not settle or get dismissed during the MDL process, they could return to their original jurisdiction for trial. The court or jury will hear the case and issue a verdict.
Only a small percentage of cases in an MDL return to their original jurisdictions and go to trial.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of the Ozempic Mass Tort?
Most successful MDLs end in settlements. A settlement allows the parties to resolve large numbers of cases efficiently and provide adequate compensation to the injured parties.
However, the specific outcomes of an MDL can vary widely. Each case has so many unique circumstances that it is difficult to predict an outcome.
Some possible outcomes for plaintiffs in the Ozempic mass tort include:
- Settlements: Most MDL cases resolve through negotiated settlements. These settlements result in compensation for plaintiffs who suffered injuries or damages.
- Bellwether Trials: Bellwether trials gauge the strength of the plaintiffs’ cases and the potential outcomes of future trials. The results of these trials often influence settlement negotiations and could spur global settlements of the remaining cases.
- Dismissals: The court dismisses some cases within an MDL for various reasons, such as lack of evidence or legal grounds. Dismissals occur at all stages of the process.
- Summary Judgment: Under some circumstances, the Judge overseeing an MDL can issue a summary judgment, which is a verdict that affects all participants in the case.
- Trial Verdicts: If individual cases go back to their initial jurisdiction and proceed to trial, the court or jury will issue a verdict based on the evidence presented.
- Creation of Settlement Funds or Trusts: Some MDLs result in the creation of settlement funds or trusts to compensate eligible plaintiffs and future claimants. The defendants generally fund these trusts as part of a settlement agreement or court mandate.
Do I Qualify to Join the Ozempic Lawsuit?
The best way to learn if you qualify to join the Ozempic lawsuit is to discuss your options with a mass torts attorney familiar with these cases.
You likely qualify if you:
- Used a semaglutide drug (Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) or a tirzepatide drug (Mounjaro or Zepbound); and
- Suffered serious health issues, including stomach paralysis, intestinal obstructions, vision loss, or other gastrointestinal concerns; and
- Required hospitalization or care from a gastroenterologist for your condition
When you talk to an Ozempic lawsuit lawyer about your case, you should be able to provide details about your prescription, medication use, symptoms, and diagnosis. This will allow them to properly evaluate your case and legal options.
How Will a Mass Torts Lawyer Handle My Case?
When you work with an Ozempic attorney to handle your lawsuit, you can trust them to manage the legal process and ensure your rights remain protected.
When you hire a lawyer, expect them to:
- Verify you qualify to take legal action and join the Ozempic lawsuit already underway
- Gather evidence to support your case, including your medical records and deposition
- File your Ozempic lawsuit or short form complaint
- Meet all statutes of limitations or other deadlines
- Negotiate for a fair settlement when appropriate
- Present your case in court when necessary
- Keep you up to date about the case progress and what to expect
What Are the Benefits of Having My Own Lawyer Oversee My Ozympic Injury Case?
While the U.S. District Court appoints a team of attorneys to represent all plaintiffs participating in a mass tort, there are many benefits to hiring your own lawyer to manage your lawsuit. This is true even in the context of joining multidistrict litigation.
Some of these benefits include:
- Case Evaluation: Your lawyer will assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action, including whether joining the MDL is the right decision for you.
- Legal Experience: Lawyers handling MDLs and pharmaceutical litigation possess the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex legal processes effectively. This is something most individuals could not manage on their own.
- Individualized Attention: Your lawyer will provide personalized attention during this process, addressing your unique circumstances and needs. This is rarely possible with only the attorneys heading the MDL representing you.
- Maximized Compensation: With a lawyer advocating on your behalf, you’re more likely to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Navigating Medical Records: Lawyers help gather and interpret medical records, even calling in expert witnesses as needed. This ensures you have all relevant evidence to support your claim.
- Emotional Support: Dealing with serious gastrointestinal symptoms and legal proceedings simultaneously can overwhelm you. Having a lawyer on your side provides emotional support and alleviates some of the stress associated with this type of litigation.
Hiring a lawyer to manage your Ozempic lawsuit enhances your chances of a favorable outcome, protects your rights, and provides peace of mind. You do not have to try to navigate this on your own.
Discuss Your Ozempic Use and Injuries With Our Team Today
If you or a loved one used Ozempic or a related drug and suffered serious gastrointestinal side effects, you may qualify to join the Ozempic lawsuit underway now in a U.S. District Court. Learn more during a free case evaluation. You can contact us today for a free evaluation with an experienced mass tort attorney familiar with this case.
Dial (866) 535-9515 or complete our online form to contact our team for your complimentary consultation.